Domaine de l’Hortus

Domaine de l’Hortus is owned by the Orliac family, headed up by Jean and Martin, one of the first people to realise the potential of this area. Jean first rented vines in 1978 and planted his own vines between the two peaks of the region, the Pic St Loup and the Montagne de l’Hortus. In total, they now have 55 hectares of vines, split over two sites. The main vineyard area is near the winery, where Mourvèdre grows on the scree slope under the Montagne de l’Hortus, whereas Grenache and Syrah are grown on a northeast facing slope under the Pic St Loup, with a cooler microclimate. The second vineyard area is situated at Clos St Jean.

The Loup Blanc is a juicy blend of Muscat, Chardonnay and Viognier with lashings of ripe stone fruit, weight and complexity evened out by its crisp and bright acidity. The punchy Loup Rouge doesn’t stray too far from the local varietals (Grenache, Syrah, Carignan) but a speedy maceration and stainless steel ageing means that this wolf doesn’t bite: tannins are silky smooth and give way to plush, ripe, red fruit. The Bergerie Blanc is made up of 30% Roussanne, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Viognier, 10% Sauvignon Gris, 10% Chardonnay, 5% Petit Manseng and 5% Bourboulenc whilst the Rouge is 60% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache. These wines are vibrant, pure and concentrated. Made from 70% Chardonnay (aged for 8 months in oak) and 30% Viognier, the Grande Cuvee Blanc is a classy wine with great intensity and complexity. Finally the Rouge is produced from 60% Syrah, 35% Mourvèdre and 5% Grenache. This is a stunning wine with elegance and power in equal measure.